CHAMBERSBURG >> The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce is launching a nationwide search for its next president after David Sciamanna, the leader for the past three decades, announced his retirement.

Sciamanna, 61, who was hired as chamber's executive director in 1983, will retire late next year.

"I couldn't have written a better job description that was more in line with my values and my passion, and because of that, I'm a very fortunate person," Sciamanna said. "I've been able to get up every day and enjoy what I do — to promote business, to promote economic opportunity and help steer the community in a positive direction."

Prior to taking over as the executive director of the chamber on Nov. 1, 1983, he had served as project coordinator for the downtown revitalization project and director of downtown development.

In addition to serving as president of the chamber, Sciamanna is executive director of the Chambersburg Area Development Corp. — the development arm of the chamber — as well as the Cumberland Valley Regional Development Corp., a sister organization.

He serves as the executive director of the Franklin County Industrial Development Authority.

During his tenure at the chamber, membership has tripled to nearly 1,000 and he led the restoration of the Marble Building on the square. He has been instrumental in work force development and downtown revitalization efforts, as well as the development of the Chambers-5 Business Park, a 350-acre business park home to more than 1,500 jobs.

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"The work is never done and there's never a short list of challenges," he said. "We're obviously looking to bring in a new leader to continue to move the chamber forward and the community of Chambersburg forward. We're on strong financial footing, we have an outstanding staff and we have very broad-based support within the business community."

Sciamanna said a succession plan had been in the works for several months prior to Monday's official announcement that he would be retiring.

The chamber will undertake a nationwide search to fill the position, led by retired human resources executive and former board chair Steve Caldwell.

The chamber plans to hire an executive vice president who would work closely with Sciammana for about a year before taking over the position of president. The goal is to hire someone by late summer.

"Our organization has been fortunate to have a tremendous leader for a very long time, and we will be looking for someone with Dave's attributes — a strong leader with vision, a deep understanding of the business community and a passionate commitment to the community," board chairman Eric Foreman said in a statement. "Our organization's goal is to help our members prosper and to improve the quality of life in the greater Chambersburg area. This position is a great responsibility as the chamber fills a key leadership role in the community. The chamber's board of directors — as well as the board of the Chambersburg Area Development Corp. — wants to ensure that a smooth transition occurs."